Fair Airplay?

Singer/songwriter/guitarist Jefferson Jay says there was a conspiracy that led to his firing from KCR, SDSU's all-volunteer radio station (heard online at kcrlive.com or through cable systems). Jay's bawdy six-hour Monday-night music-and-comedy show prompted complaint letters that were sent to SDSU president Stephen Weber.

"[The letters] accused me of having sex on the air with intoxicated coeds," says Jay. "That would have been pretty hard to get away with since there is a big plate-glass window where anybody can see in. The letters accuse me of making racist comments about Jews on the air. Come on...I'm Jewish.... [KCR faculty advisor Skot Norton] called me and asked me if I was drinking on the air. He said somebody went through the trash and allegedly found beer bottles next to my playlist. The trash can was outside the station in the quad area."

Norton (who did not fire Jay) credits the former DJ for his "earthy humor" and "amazing ability to spontaneously belch.... He wants to be Howard Stern." Norton won't go into details of the firing except to say that he was "terminated with cause" and that it had to remain confidential because it was "inappropriate to discuss personnel actions."

Jay claims the major reason for his dismissal stems from a discussion he'd had with another KCR DJ while off the air.

"I show up at the station when [the DJ] is on the air," says Jay. "I go to shake his hand and he refused. He says, 'I'm going to keep my germs to myself.' I asked him if he had any diseases, and he said, 'No, but I'm a chronic masturbator.' "

Jay discussed the exchange on another KCR show hosted by Philly B. Jay says his candor led to an e-mail from the germy DJ that was sent out to KCR staff and alumni. The e-mail read in part: "Keep in mind that what you did could get you killed in some circles. Seriously. I may not care what you think of me, but other people might not feel that way when you mouth off about them on the mike. Think about it."

Norton confirms the e-mail from the offended DJ was written three days before Jay was fired.